Wandering Wednesday

Wandering Wednesday #4

August 19, 2015 // by Nikol// Leave a Comment

Whoa! Have I done some wandering these past few months!! And – in looking at the calendar today – many more adventures are heading my way! There have been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of lessons learned, and a lot of adventures. So…let’s get to it.

Things I’ve learned include:

…sometimes its best to let big things go and enjoy the little things,
…I hate fighting,
…and I do not know how to rest when things are unsettled.

I’ve learned:

…that it feels awesome to pay off your car,
…that it’s OK to be inconsistent when you have too much other stuff going on,
…and how to make some really cute baby gifts.

I’ve endured:
…silly frustrations at work,
…a speeding ticket,
…and the ridiculously oppressive heat and suffocating humidity in the state of Alabama this Summer.

I’ve endured:

…some “minor” surgery on my arm.

That bruise is from the bandage believe it or not!!

…an upper-respiratory infection,
…a strained back muscle,
…a trip to the ER,
…dogs being sick,
…and cat sitting [who am I becoming?].

I’ve traveled:

…to Auburn for the NGAAL Conference with this hottie,

Playing dress up is so fun.

…to the beach a couple of times (GLORY!)

…to Blackshear, GA to meet the mom and extended fam where hanging out in the hammocks was pretty darn relaxing!

…to Lexington, KY to visit some of my favs.

…to Tampa on business (but with a pretty fantastic view)

I enjoyed:
…seeing dolphins at the most perfect moment imaginable,
…seeing The Little Mermaid at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival,

…hanging out at Go Red for Women,

…an awesome spa day with the girls in the middle of Nowhere, AL.,

…being Locked In – TWICE!

Y’all really should try this if you have one in your area. It’s awesome.

In looking back, I think the chorus to this song fits this season well…it’s one of my favorites these days.

And it’s Good
I got more than I ever thought I would
I can finally see how all the wrong turns and the heartaches
the lessons in the mistakes
help me count these blessings like I should
and it’s so good.

–Good, Dave Barnes

Wandering Wednesday #3

April 22, 2015 // by Nikol// 1 Comment

Soooo…I’ve been away a while.

If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, I’ve been wandering around doing adult things like…

Learning just how selfish I can be
Enduring more adult conversations (do they ever get any easier?)
Learning patience
Recovering from a nasty bout of bronchitis & sinusitis
Being humbled by my lack of gratitude at times
Replacing an A/C unit,
Dealing with some ~~puppy pranks~~ early demolition on a home improvement project.

There have been grand adventures too. Adventures like…

Celebrating the birth of this handsome man. I’m so glad he was born!

Taking a little vacation time in February. Can you say, spa day?
That vacation also included hanging out with friends and family I hadn’t seen in far too long and a little trail ~~run~~ wog (that’s where you walk more than you jog) on a beautiful Saturday at Monte Santo State Park. Beauty abounded.

Saying Goodbye to the Bravermans.

Does anyone else out there watch Parenthood? Did you bawl like a baby when it ended? I know I sure did.

Training (and successfully completing) a 10K that has been on my race bucket list for a while.

Taking in this view on a wonderfully, relaxing trip to the mountains…except…ya know…when Robyn’s car wouldn’t start.

Buying a cocktail dress for $1.53 to attend a fabulous event with an even more fabulous fella. Such fun!

Squeezing what could in all probability be the cutest baby in the entire world.

I know. She looks terrified and confused. But isn’t she the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?

Celebrating Holy Week in grand style! I don’t care what the song says, Christmas in not the most wonderful time of the year. Easter is. This year we added a Saturday night Easter Vigil in this stunning church…

With the tremendous help of some awesome people, we also pulled off an Easter Brunch. I took a chance and let my work, family, and church worlds collide. It was so wonderful to see some of my favorite faces on my favorite day of the year. It’s definitely likely to become tradition even if my feet haven’t full recovered.

Participating in Birmingham Reads with these awesome co-workers.

I have some upcoming adventures too, but you’ll have to wait on those.

Now you know what I’ve been up to. What’s going on in your world?

Wandering Wednesday #2

July 2, 2014 // by Nikol// Leave a Comment

June almost sucked the life out of me. I’m feeling a little A.D.D. That must mean it is time for a Wandering Wednesday.

Work projects kicked into high gear making for long nights and busy days.
I’ve had some disappointments. (Who hasn’t?)
Cried some big tears.
Dealt with some awkward, awkward moments.
Had one too many adult conversations. (Lord, give me strength!)
Replaced an A/C unit.
Had a crown replaced (and not the kind that goes on your head). This was me on more than one Monday.

(You’re welcome)

Engaged in The Battle of the Wills with this fella.

We’ve been through 3 cones and about 300 bandages. Repeat after me: I will not be defeated by a dog. I will not be defeated by a dog. I will not be defeated. by. a. dog.

Fortunately, there has been some oases amidst the chaos.

There was geocaching with my work team. We traipsed through the woods (sometimes in our socks because we made poor shoe choices). We climbed mountains (or hills). We laughed. But mostly, I just stood around and looked confused while they found all the loot. You know…kinda like a regular work day. Besides, nothing says team building like walking on the side of the road, holding a phone, and looking like an idiot.

I brought home a little bling from an Xterra 5K in May. 3rd place in my age group, baby. (We won’t talk about how many people were actually IN my age group.)

I tried my hand at sewing a baby blanket. There were so many things that could’ve gone very, very wrong but it all worked out in the end and all my fingers are still intact.

I was introduced to the coolest purse in the galaxy. You can swap out the covers on these little bad boys which might just change my life. Check out Miche’s website here.

I checked taking a calligraphy class off my bucket list. So fun!

I even got to put my toes in the sand. (Glory!)

And I’ve enjoyed countless 25 cent Icees with this little gem. It’s the little things, people!

I finished this bible study with the gals. (Come Lord Jesus!)

And painted some canvases.

…aaaaand went to an 80s themed surprise birthday party. I moused and sprayed and curled and sprayed and teased and sprayed and scrunched and sprayed and poofed and sprayed my hair for 30 minutes. The 80s were exhausting and apparently filled with hideous attire.

Well, that’s it for me. Here’s to hoping July is more low key than June.

What have you been up to lately?